Control system.



910.798,169. PATBNTED AUG. 29, 1995. E. R. GARIGHOFF.

CONTROL SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED NOVA, 1903.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

l'm/GHLTOV. Eugens Rurichof WMM PATBNTBD AUG. 29, 1905.

E. R. GARIGHOPF.

CONTROL SYSTEM.-

APPLIOATION FILED nov.4.19oa.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

lfm/ci Eugene RCorchof @Y0/,HAMM

Fig.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

PATENTED AUG. 29,k 1905.

E. R. GARIGHOFF.

CONTROL SYSTEM.

Arrmouron Hman Nov.4,19oa.

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PATENTED AUG. 29, 1905.

v E. R. GARIGHOPP.

CONTROL SYSTEM.

APPLIOATION FILED Nov.4,19os.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EUGENE R. CARICHOFF, OF EAST ORANGE, NEI/V JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NEIV YORK.

CONTROL SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 29, 1905.

Application ilei NOVGIDlJr 4,1903. Serial No. 179,796.

To all?, whom it may con/cern:

Be it known that I, EUGENE R. CARICHOFF, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city of East Orange, county of Essex, and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Control Systems, of which the following is a speciiication.

My invention relates to systems of control for electric translating devices, and is particularly adapted for use for controlling motors on electrically-propelled vehicles.

One of the objects of my invention is to simplify the construction and arrangement of the parts of a controller which are necessary to produce an eficient system of control for translating devices Awhereby the translating devices are connected and combined in any predetermined order and all possibility of injury to said translating devices due to a too rapid increase of current therein is eliminated.

The particular object of my invention is to produce a simple and efficient automaticallyaccelerating motor-control system. To this end I provide one or more normally open switches in combination with means for simultaneously placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close and means for automatically regulating the closing of said switches in succession.

In another aspect my invention comprises means for placing one or more obstructed switches under strain tending to cause them to close, together with means for removing the obstructions from said switches, whereby they are allowed to close with a snap action in any predetermined order. The means for placing' said switches under strain is so constructed and arranged that the strain on said switches may be removed at will, so as to allow them to open quickly independently ot' the operation of said obstructing' means.

My invention also includes a series-paralleling device comprising a plurality of switches, means tending to close all of said switches, and means for obstructing the closing of certain of said switches.

In still another aspect my invention consists of a plurality of motors, a resistance, resistance-controlling switches, switches for connecting' said motors in series and parallel relationship, means tending to close all of said switches, and means for automatically regulating the closing of said switches in succession to produce an automatic acceleration of the motors, the said motors being irst connected in series and then in parailel.

My invention further comprises a plurality of motor-controllers, each having a plurality of switches, with means for placing said switches under strain tending to close them, means for regulating the closing of said switches in succession, and operating means for said strain-producing means and said regulating means, in combination with a mastercontroller for said motor controllers, the whole being adapted to be so arranged as to produce a simple and efficient multiple-unit system of train control.

More specifically considered, my invention comprises a plurality of contact-iingers operatively connected with a rotatable shaft, the connecting means hereinafter shown being yielding springs which when the shaft is rotated place the contact-.lingers under strain tending to move them into engagement with relatively fixed contacts, said contacts and [ingers forming part of the controlled circuit. The contact-tinge rs are obstructed in their forward movementthat is, are prevented from engaging said relatively fixed contacts by means of a series of obstructing devices which are constructed and arranged to permit said contact-fingers to be moved into engagement with said contacts with a snap action in any predetermined order and at any desired rate.

My invention also includes means for rotating the shaft which is operatively connected'with said lingers so as to place the springs under tension and to remove said tension and means for operating said obstructing devicesso as topermit the lingers to engage the relatively lixed contacts successively under the action of said springs. for rotating said shaft may comprise a lever or levers adapted to be operated directly by hand, by electromagnets, pneumatic devices, etc., or by any other preferred mechanism. Although I have shown springs as the means for maintaining said. contact tingers under strain, it is obvious that the said springs may be replaced by mechanism operated by airpressure, gravity, magnetic attraction, &c.

My invention further comprises details of construction and arrangement which will be hereinafter described, and more speciiically pointed out in the appended claims.

The means IUO My invention will be more clearly understood by reference to theaccompanying' drawing's, of which Fig'm'e1 represents adiag'rammatic view of the preferred 'form ef my control system. Fig. 2 is a front elevation of a controller structure embodying' a slightly-modilied Vform o'f the mechanism shown diag'rammatically in Fig'. l, the casing-cover of said controller being` removed. Fig'. 3 is a side elevation of said controller. Fig'. 4 is a sectional plan View on the line 4 4 of Fig'. 2. Fig'. 5 is a sectional plan view en the line 5 5, Fig'. 2. Fig. 6 is a sectional plan view on the line Fig'. 2. Fig'. 7 represents diagrammatically a modified motor-control system embodying' my invention, and Fig'. 8 shows a detail of the lost-motion device in Fig'. 7

Referring' now to Fig'. 1, (l represents a motor-controller, comprising' a'i'ilurality of separately-actuated switches or contacts adapted to control the automatic acceleration ef the motors M and M?.

R to B, inclusive, represent the switches of the motor-controller, which are adapted to control the sections of the resistance w, which is connected in circuit with the said motors. The switches P and 1)/ control the parallel connections of said motors, while the switch S controls the series connection of said motors. The contacts or switches include movable contact-lingers and relativelyY fixed contact-terminals, with which said lingers are adapted to engage. The master-controllers for said motor-controller are represented by C and C. The reversing-switch for said motors is represented by B S, and the master reversing-switch is represented by Rf S'.

All the contact-lingers of the motor-controller except one are loosely mounted on the main operating-shaft A and are operatively and yielding'ly connected thereto by means of the springs s, which are adapted to be placed under tension by the rotation of said sha'ft A in such a manner as to tend to move the contact-lingers toward their relatively lixed contact-terminals l.) and close the switches. The contact arm or linger R is attached to saidv shaft A and rotates with it. Fastened to one end of the shaftA is a leverarm 15, to the outer end of which is pivotally connected the plung'er 16 of the main operating coil or solenoid B. The solenoid B, aside from its Vfunction of placing' all the spring's s under tension, has the additional function of acting` as an underload-mag'net to allow the parts of the controller to return te their initial position when the energizing'- cnrrent in the controlling-circuit fails.

Mountedon the opposite end of the shaft A is a sprocket-wheel 8, which is connected by means of the sprocket-chain Slwith the sprocket-wheel 8, attached to the sleeve 8, loosely mounted on the shaft E. The said shaft E carries a plurality of obstructing' devices 10, with which the extensions 11 ofthe contact-lingers of switches R to Ri. inclusive, are adapted to engage. The said obstructing' devices 10 serve to obstruct the free forward movement of the contact-lingers toward their contact-terminals D, and they are so constructed and arranged that when the shaft E is rotated the contact lingers of switches Ri" to R, inclusive, are released successively. lhe shaft E is preventedv from moving' in a backward direction by the engagement of the extensions 11 with the recesses 10/ in said obstructing' devices. then the sleeve 8 is rotated, its movement istransmitted to the shaft E throug'h the spring' 14, but the forward movement of the shaft E is retarded by means of the dash-pot F, the plunger 12 of which is connected with the arm 13, which is rigidly fastened to said shaft. Through the ag'ency of the check-valve 17 in the plung'er 12 of the dash-pet a Vfree downward movement of said plunger is allowed,

se as to return the cam-shaft quickly to its,

initial position. The shaft Eislocked against foward movement so long' as the actuatingcoil of the locking-magnet G, which is in a branch of the c(' ntrolling'circuit, is denerg'ized, the plunger 18 being' normally in engagement with the teeth of the ratchet-wheel 19, which is fastened to the shaft E.

The shaft E carries the obstructing' devices 10, which are adapted to be engaged by the extensions 11 of the contact-lingers of switches S, l), and P', respectively, and control the operation of said contact-lingers, acting to lock the series switch in its open position when the parallel switches are in operation and te lock the parallel switches in their open position when the series switch is in operation. r1`he shaft 1G also carries the lever-arm 20, to the outer end of which is pivotally attached the link 21, which is connected by means of the spring' 22 with the plung'er 23 of theseriesparallel relay H, the actuating-coil 24 of which operates the shaft E. ',lhc plung'er 23 also carries the bridging contact mem ber 25, which when the plung'er 23 is in its lower position bridges the contacts 26 and 27 and when the said plunger is in its upper position with the coil 24 energized bridges the contacts 27L and 28. rlhe link l also carries a bridging' contact member 29, which when the solenoid 24 is energized and the cere 23 is in its upper position bridges the contacts 2G and 27. r1.`he functions of the contacts of the series-parallel relay H will be hereinafter described.

Other actuating mechanism than that shown and described may be substituted for the coils B and 24, if se desired. rlhe shafts may even be operated directly by hand by placing' handles en the lever-arms 15 and 20. It may also be found desirable to operate the shaft 1C by hand independent of the shaft A.

The extensions 11 and 11 of the contactlingers of switches B and S are provided with TOO TIO

bridging contacts 3() and 30, which are respectively adapted to engage the relatively fixed contacts 31 32 and 31u 32a, said contacts forming auxiliary switches which act to prevent the operation of the series-parallel relay Hv to connect the motors in parallel unless the series switch is closed and until the several series steps have been passed through and the last resistance-controlling switch is closed.

The overload-relay K is provided for the purpose of opening the controlling-circuit at the contacts 33 whenever a predetermined excess of current flows through the actuating'- coil 34, which is connected in the controlled circuit. The shaft A is shown as included in the motor-circuit and is divided into sections, which are insulated from each other and from the arm 15 and also from the sprocket-wheel 8 by means of the insulating-sections f. The said shaft may be made of insulating material, provided the contact-fingers are electrically connected to produce the desired result. The arm 15, carried by the shaft A, is provided with an auxiliary switch, comprising the bridging member /L and contacts 7L and 7a2, which is adapted to open the circuit through one of the actuating-coils 7c and 71;' of the reversing-switch when the shaft A is rotated, thereby serving as an interlock between the reversing-switch and the motor-controller. The trolley or collector-shoe is indicated by T. This system may readily be operated as a system of train control by making' slight changes in the connections between the motorcontroller and the master-controller, as will be hereinafter described.

Referring now toFigs. 2 to 6, inclusive, it

will be seen that the main actuating-coil B is located in the upper part of the controllercasing L. This casing may be located at a point adjacent to the master-controller or may be located at some point distant from the master-controller-for instance, under the i'ioor of the ear. The plunger 16 of said coil B is connected with the U-shaped lever 36, which is pivoted to the controller-casing at 37 and is connected with said plunger by means of the pin 38. One arm 39 of said U- shaped lever extends outwardly from the point at which the pin 38 passes through said lever and has pivotally attached to its outer end at 4() the link 41, which is pivotally connected at 42 with the crank-arm 43, rigidly mounted on the main operating' shaft A. Said connecting means between the plunger 16 and the operating-shaft A correspond to the lever-arm 15 in the diagram Fig. 1, the said plunger 16 being' maintained in its outward position by means of the spring 44 instead of gravity. 'Vhen the solenoid B is energized, the core 16 is drawn inwardly against the action of the spring 44, thereby rocking the lcver-arm 36 about its pivots 37, moving the outer end of the arm 39 to the right and turning the crank-arm 43 to rotate the shaft A.

In the modification shown in said Figs. 2 to 6, inclusive, the main operating-shaft A, which is mounted in the bearings 45 and 46, does not form part of the motor-circuit. The shafts E and E, as before, carry the obstructing devices 1() and 102, respectively. The shaft E is connected to the shaft A by means of the link 47, Fig. 4, the bell-crank lever 48, and the spring 49. One end of the link 47 is pivoted to the sleeve 54, loosely mounted on the shaft E. Said sleeve carries a projection 54, which is adapted to engage the lug 19", formed on the under side of the extension of the collar 19 rigid on shaft E. The opposite end of said link 47 is pivoted to the outer end of one arm of the bell-crank lever 48, which is loosely mounted on the shaft A and is connected with said shaft by means of the spring' 49, as shown in Fig. 4, one end of which is attached to the said bell-crank lever at 50 and the other end of which is attached at 51 to an extension 43L of the crank-arm 43. The other arm 481L of the bell-crank lever 48 carries a stop 48h, which normally rests against said extension 431. lt will thus be seen that when the shaft A rotates counterclockwise it winds up the spring 49, which tends to draw the bell-crank lever 48 about the shaft A and move the shaft E through the agency of the link connection 47 and the engagement of the extension 54 with the lug 19". The mechanism just described corresponds to the sprocket mechanism 8, 8, and 8", sleeve 8c and spring 14 connecting the shafts A and E, as shown diagrammatieally in Fig. 1e

The forward movement of the shaft E is retarded by the dash-pot F, the plunger 12 of which is connected, by means of the link 52, with the arm 53, carried by the collar 19, mounted on the shaft E. The sleeve 54 is connected to said collar 19;l by means of the spring 55, one end of which is attached to said sleeve 54 at 56 and the other end of which is attached to the collar 19L at 57. The actuating-coil of the locking device (i operates the core 18, to which is attached a pivoted link 18, carrying the pawl or locking member 18", which is moved by spring 18 into the path of the teeth carried by the ratchet-segment 19, formed on the collar19. Provided the actuating-coil of the locking n'iechanism remains energized when the shaft A is rotated, the shaft E will move forward in a counter-clockwise direction under the tension of spring 49,

said movement being' retarded by means of the dash-pot lf, the outer end of the plunger 12 of which is guided by means of the antifriction-rollers 12'. l hen the main actuatingcoil B is deenergized and the shaft A returns toward its initial position, the extension 43 engages the lug 48" and forces the bell-crank lever 48 about the shaft A, thereby drawing the extension 54 of sleeve 54 away from the lug 19D, and the movement of said sleeve is IOO transmitted to the collar 19 through spring 55, thereby returning shaft E toits initial position.

Referring to Fig. 5, it will be seen that the construction and arrangement of the contactlingers are slightly different from that shown in Fig. 1, but the operation is substantially the same. The movable contact-terminal 60 of the switch R', which is illustrated in Fig. 5, but is typical of all the switches of this controller, is mounted on the end of a flexible member 61, rigidly fastened on the bracket 62, which is mounted on the supporting-block 63 of insulating material. The member 61 is connected, through the insulating clampingblock 64, with the link 65, pivotally attached to the arm 66, corresponding to the extension 11 of the contact-lingers. (Shown in Fig. 1.) The arm 66 forms one arm of a bell-crank lever, the opposite arm 66of which is engaged by one end of a spring 67, the opposite end of which bears against a shoulder formed on an arm 68, rigidly attached to the shaft A. The spring 67 corresponds to the spring in Fig. 1. The obstructing device 10 is mounted on the shaft E, as before described. The relatively fixed contact-terminal D is engaged by the movable contact linger or terminal 60 within the blow-out chute 69. The said contact-terminals are embraced by the poles 70 of a blow-out magnet the coil of which is indicated at 71. In the operation of this modilied form of switch-actuating mechanism when the shaft A is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction it carries with it the arms 68, thereby compressing the springs 67, so as to place the contact-finger-actuating mechanisms under strain, tending to move said fingers into engagement with the contactterminals D. The switches will not close, however, if the arms 66 of the bell-crank levers are in engagement with the obstructing devices 10. As soon as the shaft E rotates sufficiently toV allow an arm 66 to leave its obstructing device 10 the movable contactterminal 60, regulated thereby, will engage its relatively fixed contact-terminal D with a snap action due to the sudden expansion of the spring 67. The shaft E is prevented from moving' backward after the operation of a contact by the engagement of arm 66 with recess 10. The switches are opened quickly and positively when shaft A is rotated in the opposite direction on account of the engagement of the shoulders 72, formed on the arms 68, with the lugs 73, formed on the bell-crank levers 66.

In the lower part of the controller-casing is mounted the series-parallel relay H, the actuating-coil 24 of which is supported in the frame 24a. The core 23 of said actuatingcoil 24 is pivotally connected with the bridging contact member 25, loosely mounted on the shaft E. The bridging switch member 29 is rigidly mounted on the shaft E' and is maintained in the position relative to the member 25 (shown in Fig. 6) by means of the spring' 22. The fixed contacts 26 and 27 are mounted on the insulating-block 74, and the contacts 27 and 28 are mounted on the insulating-block 75. The bridging contact member 25 is normally maintained in engagement with the contact-lingers 26 and 27 by means of the spring 76, coiled about the shaft E. lhen the solenoid 24 is energized, the core 23 is drawn to the right, thereby breaking connection between the bridging member 25 and the contacts 26 and 27 and making connection between said member 25 and the contacts 27n and 28 and also through the agency of the spring 22 rotating the shaft lll and bringing the bridging contact member 29 into engagement with the contacts 26 and 27. This device corresponds to the series-parallel relay, (shown in Fig. 1,) the functions of which will be described later. The overloadrelay K, Figs. 2 and 6, is located in the lower part of the controller-easing adjacent to the series-parallel relay H. The actuating-coil 34 of said overload-relay is mounted in the frame 34, and the core 34:" is pivot-ally supported at both ends by means of the links 77. The said core is mounted to move vertically through said coil 3A and controls the contacts 33, which are connected in the controllingcircuit.

Referring again to Fig. 1, 1 will now describe the operation of my preferred form el. motor-controller, and the operation of the modification shown in Figs. 2 to 6, inclusive, will be readily understood therefrom. Consider the master reversing-switch R S moved so that its contact-lingers a2 and e3 are in engagement with the contact-segments c2 and c, respectively, and also considerthat the master controlling-switch C is moved so that its contact-fingers (Z/ and il engage the contact-segments e and @2, the said switch being in its lrst series position, (indicated by s M.) A controlling-circuit may then be traced from the trolley or collector shoe 'l through the contact-linger (Z2, contact-segments d' and (if, contact-finger CZ', contact-linger e of the master reversing-switch R S', contact-segments c and c, contact-linger u?, actuating-coil /fc of the reversing-switch R S, contact-segment 85 of said reversing-switch through the main ac- IOO tuating-coil B, through contacts 26 and 27 of the series-parallel relay H to ground at y. The completion of this circuit energizes the main actuating-coil B and rotates the main operating-shaft A. As the shaft A rotates the springs s are wound up, thereby placing' all the obstructed contact-lingers under strain tending to move them into engagement with their contact-terminals D. The contact-linger of switch R' is moved into engagement with its contact-terminal D. The contact-linger of switch S controlling the series connection of the motors is also allowed to move into engagement with its contact-terminal D since the shaft'E' isin its series position and the obstructing device does not obstruct the free forward movement of said contact-finger. Simultaneously with the rotation of the shaft A the collar 8", mounted on the shaft E and fastened to the sprocket-wheel 8, is rotated, thereby winding up the spring 14, which in turn tends to rotate the shaft E. In this position of the master-controller the actuatingcoil of the locking-relay G is not energized, and said shaft Eis thereby prevented from moving forward.

The circuit through the motors corresponding to the first position of the master-controller is as follows: from the trolley or' collector shoe T, conductor T', contact-terminal D and contact-finger of switch R', right-hand section of shaft A, all the sections of the resistance fr, actuating-coil 34 of the overloadrelay K, upper contact-fingers and contactsegments of the reversing-switch R S, armature and field of motor M', switch S, through the lower reversing switch-contacts and the armature and field of the motor lV 2 to ground at g The controlling and controlled circuit will remain as just traced until the master controlling-switch is moved beyond its first operative position. Let us consider that the said switch is moved into its second operative position-that is, its second series position, (indicated by S282.) Then a controlling-circuit in addition to the controlling-circuit just traced is completed from the contact-segment e2, th rough the contact-segment ci, con tact-finger di, actuating-coil of the locking-relay Gr, through the contacts 33 of the overload-relay K to ground at g3. The locking-plunger 18 is thus withdrawn from engagement from the teeth of the ratchet-wheel 19, and the shaftE is thus free to rotate under the action of the spring 14 retarded by the dash-pot F. Such rotation of the shaft E causes the con tact-fingers of switches R2, R3, Ri and R5 to successively engage their corresponding contact-terminals D, said fingers being released by the obstructing devices 10 and closed with a snap action by means of the springs s. The sections of the resistance fr are thus successively cut out of circuit, the contact-finger R5 acting' to shortcircuit all of said resistance-sections.

Simultaneously with the closing of the switch R5 the auxiliary switch member 30 is brought into engagement with the contacts 31 and 32, thus completing a circuit from the `actuating-coil 24 of the series-parallel relay H through the auxiliary switch-contacts 30, 31, and 32 to ground preparatory to the operation of said series-parallel relay by the movement of the master controlling-switch into its neXt operative position--that is, the first parallel position, (indicated by p'p'.) The series-parallel relay H will not operate until the master controlling-switch is moved into its parallel position, at which time the contactsegment e3 of said switch is brought into engagement with the contact-finger d", and an auxiliary controlling-ci rcuit is completed from the contact-segment @2 through the contactsegment a, contact-finger (Z actuating-coil 24 of the series-parallel relay H, contacts 30a, 31, and 32 of the auxiliary switch controlled by switch S, contacts 30, 31, and 32 of the auxiliary switch controlled by contact R5 to ground at g3 through the contacts of the overload-relay K. Then the actuating-coil 24 of the series-parallel relay H is energized, the bridging switch member 25 is moved away from the contacts 2G and 27, thus breaking the circuit through the main actuating-coil B and allowing the shaft A to assume its initial position. The springs s are thereby unwound, the strain is removed from all of the contactfingers of the controller, and the switches assume their normal open position. The shaft E also rotates in a backward direction unret'arded by the locking-plunger 18, which at this time is in engagement with the ratchetwheel 19, but which is constructed -to allow such unretarded backward movement. 1mmediately after the opening of the controlling-circuit through the main actuating-coil B at the contacts 26 and 27 a maintaining-circuit through the actu ating-coil 24 is completed through the contacts 27 and 28 through the resistance-section of to ground at g', thus holding' said series-parallel relay in its operated position. Simultaneously with or immediately after the completion of said maintaining-circuit the circuit through the main actuating-coil B is again completed by the bridging of the contacts 26 and 27 by the switch member 29. The renergization of the coil B again rotates the shaft A and places all the springs s under tension; but before this takes place the shaft E' is rotated by the upward movement of the plunger 23 into such a position that the contact-finger of series switch S is locked in its open position by the engagement of the extension 11' of said finger with its corresponding obstructing device 102, and the parallel switches P and P' are allowed to close simultaneously with the closing of the switch R'. i fith the motors thus connected in parallel the motorcircuits may be traced as follows: from the trolley or collector shoe T, conductor T', contact terminal D, and contact finger of controller-switch R', right-hand section of shaft A, all the sections of the resistance fr, overload-coil 34 of the relay K, upper contact-segments and contact-lingers of reversing-switch R S, the armature and field of the motor M' to the left-hand section of the shaft A, switch P to ground at g, also branching at the point 84 through switch P', lower contact-segments and contact-fingers of the reversing switch R S, through the armature and field of the motor Ml to ground at g.

IOO

Then the master controllingswitch is moved into its linal operative position, {indicated by p 7X2) the contact-segment 7m is brought into engagement with the contactfinger (Xl, and the auxiliary controlling-circuit is again completed to ground at y through the actuating-coil of the locking-magnet (l and the contacts 33 of the overload-relay K. rlhe completion of said auxiliary controllingcircuit rcenergizes said actuating-coil and allows the shaft E to rotate, thereby allowing the resistance-controlling contact-lingers to operate successively to cut out the resistancesections and leave the motors connected in multiple with no resistance in circuit. When it is desired to arrest the successive operation of the switches at any point and to hold the parts of the motor-controller in the position they have assumed at the time, it is merely necessary to move the master-controller so that the auxiliary controlling' or locking circuit is broken at the contact-segments c tof". This (.lenergizes the coil of said locking-magnet and allows the locking-plunger 18 to prevent theforward movement of shaft E.

The sequence of steps as above traced takes place automatically to connect the motors in series with resistance, then cut out saidv resistance, then connect the motors in parallel with resistance in circuit. and then again cut out said resistance, even if the master controllingswitch is thrown at once from its ofl to its linal parallel position.

If during the automatic acceleration of the motorswthat is, while the contact-lingers are automatically and successively cutting out sections ofthe starting resistance-tl 1e current rises in the motor-circuit ahove a predetermined value, the overload-relay l will operate to open the controlling-circuit at the contacts 33 and deilnergize the actuatiiig-coil of the locking-magnet (i, thereby causing the locking-plunger 18 to engage the teeth of the ratchet 19 and prevent further forward movement of the mechanism.

Referring now to the modified form of my invention shown in the diagram Fig. 7, which differs from the modification hereinbefore described in several essential details` more particularly in the mechanism employed to rotate the shaft which controls the successive operation of the controller-switches, C, as before, indicates the motor-controller, which comprises a plurality of separateiy-actuated switches adapted to control the connections for the motors M and Mg. The master controlling-switches are indicated by C and C, the electromagnetically-actuated reversingswitch is indicated by lt S, and the master reversing-switch by R S. ln this modilication I have also illustrated the slight change that is necessary to adapt my invention for Lise as a multiple-unit system of train control. lhe conductors 1 to 5, inclusive, are shown as traiii-coinluctors and are adapted to be convoca eo nected with corresponding train-conductors in adjacent cars of the train by means of the couplings l/v, it being understood that a motorcontroller, such as C, is located on each motorcar and that the master controller or controllers are located in any part of the car or train, and the several motor-controllers throughout the train are simultaneously controlled from any one master-controller. The main shaft A is divided into two separate and distinct parts A and A. the said shafts being operated by separate actuating-coils B and B2. The shaft A2 is divided into sections insulated from each other by the insulating-piecesf, said sections forming parts of the motor-circuit. The shaft A is shown for the sake of clearness as made up of alternate sections of conducting and insulating material, but is preferably made of a single piece of insulatiingl material. The contact-lingers of switches R to R", inclusive, are adapted to control the sections of the resistances r and if", the resistance r beinginserted in the circuit of the motor M and the resistance 11" being in sei-ted in the circuit of the motor M2. The corresponding sections of said resistances r and rl are cut out simultaneously during the acceleration of the motors. The contact-lingers are loosely mounted on the shaft A2 and are connected therewith by means of the springs s, with the exception of lingers of switches h and R, which are fastened to said shaft. The shaft A carries the contact-lingers of parallel switches P and P and series switch S, loosely mounted thereon, but operatively conneeted thereto by means of the springs s. The shaft A also carries the linger of switch N, fastened thereon. All of said contact-lingers are adapted to engage their correspomling relatively lixed contactterminals l), which are connected in the motor-circuits in a manner to be hereinafter described.

Attached to the left-hand end of the shaft A is a crank-arm 15, to the outer end of which is pivotally connected the core 16 of the main actuating-coil B2. The said core 16lL also carries the bridging contact member 90, which is adapted to bridge the contacts 91 and 92 when the coil Bl is de'snergized and to bridge the contacts 03 and 94C when said coil is energized. lVhen the actuating-coil Il is energized, the shaft A:l is rotated to wind up the springs s and place the contact-lingers of controller-switches R2 to Ri' and R to R1", inelusive, under strain tending to close said switches; but they are prevented from mov ing forward to engage their respective contact-terminals so long as the projectioi'is 1l engage the obstructing devices 10, carried by the shaft E. The contact-lingers of switches R and R", however, which are fastened to the shaft A, are moved into engagement with their corresponding contact-terminals l).

lhe shaft A carries at one end a crank- IOO IIO

arm 15b, to the outer en'd of which is pivotally attached the core 161J of the actuatingsolenoid B. The said core 16 also carries the auxiliary switch member 71 which when the solenoid B is deenergized bridges the contacts /L and 7b2, but when said solenoid is energized bridges the contacts 95, 96, and 97. The obstructing devices 102, carried by the shaft E', are so arranged as to prevent the contact-fingers of parallel switches P and P from engaging with their corresponding contact-terminals D when the contact-finger of series switch S is moved into engagement with its contact-terminal D, and vice versa, as before described. The actuatingmechanism for the shaft Eis combined with the series-parallel relay H, as before described in connection with the diagram shown in Fig. 1, and is operated when the-actuating-coil 24 of said relay is energized.

The actuating mechanism for the shaft E, which l have hereinafter called a notchingup device, comprises the actuating-coil 98, which is connected in circuit with the contacts 99, adapted to be bridged by the bridging member 100, which is operatively connected with the core 101 of said solenoid 98 through a lost-motion device, (indicated by 102.) The said lost-motion device allows the core 101 to move a predetermined distance after coil 98 is energized before the circuit through said coil is broken at contacts 99. Pivotally attached to the core 101 is one end of the lever 103, the other end of which is pivoled at a fixed point 104. rlhe said lever 103 carriesa pawl or dog 105, which is adapted to' engage the teeth of the ratchetwheel 106, fastened to shaft E, as the core 101 and lever 103 move upwardly and is withdrawn from engagement with said teeth by contacting with the antifriction-roller 107 when the core 101 falls after the denergization of the coil 98. It will thus be seen that when the coil 98 is energized it raises the core 10,1, and thereby moves the shaft E forward one step, the said shaft being held in its forward position by the engagement of the extensions 11 with recesses 10 on cams 10. Then through the medium of the lost-motion device 10Ql the circuit through the coil 98 is opened at the contacts 99. The spring contact-fingers 109 act to maintain the bridging contact 100 in its raised position until the lost motion of the core is taken up on the downward movement, and the contact 100 is again moved into engagement with contacts 99 with a snap action. The successive energizations of the coil 98 produce a step-by-step forward movement of the shaft E. As the shaft E moves for- I ward it winds up the spring 108, which returns it to its initial position whenever the main actuating-coil B2 is denergizcd.

The contact-finger of switch R has formed thereon an extension carrying the bridging switch member 30, which is adapted to bridge the contacts 31 and 32, connected to the seriesparallel relay H, as before described. The extension 11 ofsaid contact-finger is also provided with a switch member 110, which is adapted to bridge the contacts 111 when said contact-finger is in its open position, thereby forming an auxiliary switch which acts to limit the forward movement of the shaft E. rlhe overlozul-relay, as before, is indicated by K.

The operation of the modification shown in Fig. 7 will now be described. fe will consider that the master reversing-switch R S is moved into the same position as beforedescribed and also that. the master controllingswitch C is moved into its first operative position, (indicated by s s.) Then a controllingcircuit is com pletcd from the trolley or collector shoe .l` through the contact-finger d, contact-segments 7i and w. contact-finger d', contact-finger (if of the master reversingswitch, contact-segments c and c, contact-li nger if, actuating-coil of the reversing-switch R S, through the contact-segment 85 of said reversing-switch, actuating-coil B, contact 92 of the auxiliary switch operated by the actuating-coil B, bridging contact member 90, contact 91 contact 2,6 of the series-parallel switch H, bridging contact 25 and contact27 to ground at g3. The completion of said circuit causes the energization of the actuating-coil B, which in turn rotates the shaft A to close switches S and N and also moves the bridging contact t. immediately after the completion of said circuit a branch controlling-circuit is completed from the contact-segment n of thc master controlling-switch through the contact-segment contact-finger d", actuating-coil B2, through contact 95 of the auxiliary switch controlled by the actuating-coil B, through the bridging contact memhr thence through the contact 96 to the contact 26 of the series-parallel relay H, thence through the bridging contact member 25, contact 2T to ground at g3. The completion of said branch controllingcircuit causes the energization of the actuating-coil Bf, which in turn rotates the shaft A2 and winds up the springs s, thereby placing` the contact-fingers carried by the shaft A2, with the exception of the fingers of switches R and R, under strain. Switches R and l f are closed; but the remaining switches are prevented from closing by the obstructing devices 10.

rlhe n'iotor-circuit corresponding to the first position of the master-controller may be traced as follows: from the trolley or collector shoe'i through the conductor fl", switch N, switch R', thence through the right-hand section of the shaft A2, resistance r, upper contact-fingers and contact-segments of the reversing-switch R S, through the armature and field of the motor M, thence through the actuating-coil 34 of the ovcrload=relay K, switch S, thence through the switch R, the

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left-hand section of the shaft A2, through all the sections of the resistance 7', thence through the lower con tact-iin gers an d contactsegments of the reversing-switch R S, through the motor M2 to ground at g. The motors are thus connected in series with all of the resistance in circuit.

When the master controlling-switch C' is moved into its second operative position, (indicated by s2 32,) the circuits, as before described, are maintained; but an additional controlling-circuit is completed from the contact-segment c2, through the contact-segment e, contact -iinger (Z3, contacts 93 and 94, bridged by the switch member 90, which is actuated by the solenoid B2, thence through the auxiliary contacts 111 and bridging member 110, carriedby the contact-linger of controller-switch R, thence through the actuating-coil 98 of the notching-up device M, through the contacts 99, controlled by said coil, then through the contacts 33 of the overload-relay K to ground at g3. The energization of the actuating-coil 98 thereby causes the shaft E to move forward a distance corresponding to one of the teeth of the ratchetwheel 106. This is sufficient to cause the extensions of the contact-fingers of controllercontacts R2 and R7 to be released by their corresponding obstructing devices 10, thereby simultaneously cutting out the first sections of the resistances fr and frb. The completion of the upward movement of the core 101 of the notching up device causes the circuit through the actuating-coil 98 to be broken at the contacts 99, thereby denergizing said coil 98. The core 101 immediately falls back to its initial position by gravity, which may, if desired, be assisted by a spring' or other equivalent mechanism, thereby again completing the circuit through said coil 98 at the contact 99. A reenergization of said coil 98 causes the notchingup mechanism to move the shaft E forward a second step to cut out simultaneously the second sections of the resistances fr and rl. The shaft E is prevented from moving backward under the action of the spring 108, since the extensions 11 successively engage the recesses 10. This energizing' and deenergizing of the actuating-coil 98 causes the corresponding sections of the resistances fra and fr" to be simultaneously and automatically cut out step by step.

When the contact-finger of short-circuiting switch is operated, the circuit leading to the actuating-coil 98 is broken at the contacts 110 and 111, thereby stopping further progressive movement of the shaft E. At the same time a circuit is completed at the contacts 31 and 32, leading to the actuating-coil of the series-parallel relay H, so that when the master controlling-switch C is moved into its next operative position-that is to say, its first parallel position-the circuit leading to the actuating-coil of the notching-up mechanism M is broken by the movement of the contact-segment @3 away from the contact-linger d, leaving' the shaft E free to move into its initial position under the action of spring 108 when released by extensions 11. A parallel controlling-circuit is also completed through the contact-segments c, contact-finger (Z5, through the actuating-coil 24 of the seriesparallel relay H, through the contact 27:L of said relay, thence through the contacts 32 and 31 and bridging contact 30, controlled by the switch R5, through the contacts 81l and 32 and bridging contact 30", controlled by switch S, through the contacts U3 of the overload-relay K to ground at g. The completion of this circuit causes the actuating-coil 24: to be energized to move the bridging contact member25 of the series-parallel relayoutof engagement with the contacts 26 and 27 and into engagement with thecontacts27ltand 28,th us completing a maintaining-circuit from the actuating-coil 24, through the contact member 27", bridging contact 25,th rough contact 28 and resistance to ground at g. 'lhe movementof said bridging contact member 25 also opens the controllfngcircuits through the actuatingcoils B2 and B, allowing the shafts A and A to return to their initial positions, removing the tension from the springs a and opening' the resistance-controlling switches, thereby allowing shaftE to return to its initial position. lmmediately after the opening of the controllingcircuit at the contacts 26 and 27 the said circuit is again completed by the movement of the bridging contact member 29 into engagement with said contacts 26 and 27. The actuatingcoils B and Baare thus again energized, thereby rotating the shafts A and Aa and placing' the contact-fingers under strain by means of thc springs s, as before described. Sin'iultaneously with the movement of the bridging contact member 29 to complete the circuit just described the shaft E is rotated so as to lock the series contact-finger against movement and to allow the unobstructed movement of the parallel contact-fingers, which move with the contact-finger of switch N into engagement with their corresponding contact-terminals l).

T he circuit through the motors corresponding to the lirst parallel position of the master-controller may be traced as follows: Starting from the trolley or collector shoe ',l, through the conductor T, switch N, switch R', right-hand section of the shaft A, all the sections of the resistance fr, through the upper contact-lingers and contact-segments of the reversing-switch R S, through the motor M', through the actuating-coil 34 of the overloadrelay K, switch 1), to ground at Q, also branching at the point 112 through switch 1P', switch R, left-hand end of the shaft Ai, through all the sections of the resistance fr'), thence through the lower contact-lingers and contact-segments of the reversing-switch R S, motor M, to ground at y.

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Vhen the master controlling switch is moved into its tinal operative position, the circuit through the actuating-coil oi' the notching-up mechanism M is completed again b v the movement of the contact-segmentf3 into engagement with the contact-finger (Z3. The notching-up device then operates to move the shaft E forward step by step to cause the simultaneous operation of the corresponding controller-switches controlling resistance in the circuits of the motors M and M2. The sections are therefore cut out ot circuit in succession until the motors are connected in parallel with no resistance in circuit. The sequence of steps, as just described, will take place even if the master-controller is thrown at once from the oii' to the final parallel position.

When it is desired to stop the train or cut orf the supply of current to the motors, the master-controller C is moved into its initial or off position. The actuating-coils B2, B', 24, and 98 are therefore denergized, and all the parts assume their initial positions. I/Vhcn it is desired to arrest the automatic movements of the motor-controller while the motors are connected in parallel, the mastercontroller is moved back from the position p2 p2 to the position p p', and it' it is desired to arrest the automatic movements of the motor-controller while the motors are connected in series the master-controller is moved back from the position s2 .s2 to position s s, each time rendering the notching-up device M inoperative. The operation of the overload-relay K is the same as before described in connection with the modiiication shown in Fig. l.

When it is desired to operate the car or train in the opposite direction, the master reversing-switch R S is moved so that its contact-iingers c and a3 are in engagement with the contact-segments and 3. Then ii' the master controlling-switch is moved into its iirst operative position a circuit is completed trom the trolley or collector shoe T through the contact-finger cl2, contact-segments e2 and e', contact-iinger J, contact-finger c3, contactsegments b3 and contact-linger a, through the actuating-coil 1 of the reversing-switch R S, through the auxiliary contact-segment 8O of said reversing-switch, thence through the contacts /L and if and vbridging contact member /L of the auxiliary switch, controlled by the actuating-coil B, through the resistance-section w3, to ground at g2. The energi- Zation of said actuating-coil 7:; throws the reversing-switch R S into its reversed position and completes the circuit through said actuating-coil and the contact-segment 81 to the controlling-circuit in a manner now well understood in the art. rIhe auxiliary switch, including the bridging contact member /L and contacts /t/ and if, controlled by the actuating'- coil B, and also the corresponding switch, controlled by the actuating-coil B in the moditication shown in Fig. 1, acts to prevent the operation ot' the reversing-switch to reverse the motors unless the main circuit is open, and thereby forms an interlock between the controller-operating mechanism and the reversing-switch.

Although I have shown and described springs as the means for holding' the contactlingers under strain and electromagneticallyactuated means for winding up said springs and a speciiic form of,obstructing device for preventing the free movement of said fingers, I do not care to be limited to such mechanism, as many modifications and substitutions may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention, and I aim in the appended claims to cover all such variations of the invention.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent ot' the United States, is

l. In combination, a plurality of normally open switches, means for simultaneously placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, and means for automatically regulating the closing of said switches in succession.

2. In combination, a plurality of normally open switches, means for simultaneously placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for automatically regulating the closing of said switches in succession, and means for rendering said strain-producing means inoperative thereby allowing the switches to open automatically.

3. In combination, a plurality of normally open switches, means `for simultaneously placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for automatically regulating the closing of said switches in succession, and means for controlling the operation ot' said strain-producing means.

4. In combination, a plurality oi' normally open switches, means for simultaneously placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for automatically regulating the closing of said switches in succession, and means for controlling the operation of said regulating means.

In combination, a plurality of normally open switches, means for simultaneously placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for automatically regulating the closing of said switches in succession, and means for controlling the operation of both ot' said means.

6. In combination, a controlled circuit, a plurality of normally open switches for controlling said circuit, means for simultaneously placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for automatically regulating the closing ot' said switches in succession, and means controlled by the current IOO IIO

in the controlled circuit for automatically arresting the forward movement of said regulating' means.

7. ln combination, a controlled circuit, a plurality of normally open switches for controlling said circuit, means for simultaneously placing said switches under strain tending' to cause them to close, manually-operated means for controlling' the operation of said means, and means for automatically regulating the closing of said switches in succession.

8. In combination, a translating device, a plurality of normally open switches which control the connections to said translating device, means for placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for regulating the successive closing of said switches, and means for producingl a step-by-step forward movement of said regulating' means.

9. In combination, a translating device, a plurality of normally open switches which control the connections to said translating device, means for placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for reg'- ulating the successive closing of said switches, and electromagnetically-actuated means for producing' a step-by-step forward movement of said regulating' means.

10. In combination, a translating device, a plurality of normally open switches which control the connections to said translating device, means for placing' said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for regulating the successive closing of said switches, and eleetromag'netically-aetuated means adapted to successively make and break the circuit through its own actuating-coil, whereby a step-by-step forward movement of said regulating means is produced.

11. In combination, a translating device, a plurality of normally open switches which control the connections to said translating device, means for placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for reg' ulating the successive closing' of said switches, an electromag'netically-actuated notching-up device which successively makes and breaks the circuit through its own actuating-coil and produces a stepby-step forward movement of said regulating means, and means for controlling the operation of said notching-up device.

12. In combination, a translating device, a plurality of normally open switches which control the connections to said translating' device, means for placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to'close, means for regulating' the successive closing of said switches, an electromagnetically-actuated notching-up device which successively makes and breaks the circuit through its own actuating-eoil and produces a step-by-step forward movement of said regulating means, and manually-operated means for breaking the circuit through the actuating-coil of said notehingup device to arrest the forward movement of said regulating means.

13. In combination, a translating device, a plurality of normally open switches which control the connections to said translating device, means for placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for regulating the successive closing of said switches, an electromagnetically-actuated notching-up device which successively makes and breaks the circuit through its own actuating-coil and produces a step-by-step forward movement of said regulatingmeans, and means actuated by the current in the controlled circuit for arresting the movements of said notching-up device.

14. In combination, a translating device, a plurality of normally open switches which control the connections of said translating device, means for placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for antomatically regulating the closing of said switches in succession, and means for operating' said regulating means.

15. In combination, a translating' device, a plurality of normally open switches which control the connections of said translatingdevice, means for placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for automatically regulating the closing ol" said switches in succession, and mechanism for operating said means.

16. In combination, a translating' device, a plurality of normally open switches which control the connections of said translating' device, means for placing' said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for automatically regulating the closing of said switches in succession, mechanism for operating said means, and means whereby said operatingl mechanism is controlled from a distant point.

17. ln combination, a translating device, a plurality of normally open switches which control the connections of said translating device, means for placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, mechanism for operating said means, means for regulating the successive closing of said switches, and electromagnetieally-actuated means adal'ited to successively make and break the circuit through its own actuating-coil so as to produce a step-by-step forward movement ol said regulating means.

' 18. In combination, a translating device, a plurality of norm ally open switches which conn trol the connections of said translating device, means for placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to closc, mechanism for operating said means, means for regulating the successive closing of said switches, an electromagnetically-actuated notching-up device adapted to successively make and break the circuit through its own actuating-coil so as to IOO IIO

produce a step-by-step forward movement of said regulating means, and means whereby said operating mechanlsm and said notchmg'-r up device are controlled from a distant point.

19. In combination, a plurality of normally open switches, means for placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for automatically regulating' the closing' of said switches in succession, means for operating said regulating means, and means for checking the movement of said operating' means when all of said switches have operated.

20. In combination, a plurality of normally open switches, means for placing' said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for automatically regulating the closing' of said switches in succession, means for operating' said regulating means, and means operated by the last of said switches for checking the movement of said operating' means.

2l. In combination, a plurality of normally open switches, means for placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for regulating the successive closing' of said switches, mechanism for producing a step-by-step forward movement of said regulating means, and means controlled by one of said switches for checking the movement of said step-by-step mechanism.

2Q. In combination, a plurality of normally open switches, means for placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for regulating the successive closing of said switches, an electromag'netically-actuated notching-up device for producing' a step-by-step forward movement of said regulating means, and an auxiliary switch operatively connected to one of said switches for controlling the circuit through the actuatingcoil of said notching-up device.

23. In combination, a translating device, a plurality of normally open switches which control the connections of said translating device, means for placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for regulating the successive closing' of said switches, an electromag'netically actuated notching-up device which successively makes and breaks the circuit through its own actuating'- coil and produces a step-by-step forward movement of said regulating means, and automatically-actuated means for rendering' said notching-up device inoperative after the last of said switches has operated.

24. In combination, a translating device, a plurality of normally open switches which control the connections of said translating-device, means for placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for regulating the successive closing of said switches, an electromagnetically actuated notching-up device which makes and breaks the circuit through its own actuating-coil and produces a step-by-step forward movement of said regulating means, and an auxiliary 25. In combination, a motor, a motor-controller, comprising a plurality of normally open switches, means for simultaneously placing' said switches under strain tending' to cause them to close, means 'for automatically regulating the closingof said switches in succession, an electromag'netically-actuated reversing-switch, and an interlock between said controller and said reversing-switch, comprising an auxiliary switch operatively connected to said strain-producing' means and connected in circuit with the actuating coil or coils of said reversing-switch.

26. In a motor-starting' device, a motor, a resistance, a plurality of' normally open switches adapted to control the amount of' resistance connected in circuit with said motor, means for simultaneously placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, and means for automatically reg'ulating' the successive closing' of said switches so as to cut out said resistance gradually.

27. In a motor-starting device, a. motor, a resistance, a plurality of normally open switches adapted to control the amount of resistance connected in circuit with said motor, means 'for simultaneously placing said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means for automatically regulating the successive closing of said switches so as to cut out said resistance gradually, means for operating' said regulatingmeans, and means for arresting' the movement of said operating' means when the resistance is all cut out of circuit.

28. In amotor-starting device, amotor, a resistance, a plurality of normally open switches adapted to control the amount of resistance connected in circuit with said motor, means for placing said switches under strain tending' to cause them to close, means for automatically regulating' the successive closing of said switches so as to cut out said resistance gradually, and a notching-up device for moving' said reg'ulating means forward in a step-by-step manner.

29. In a motor-starting device, a motel', a rcsistance, a plurality of normally open switches adapted to control the amount of resistance connected in circuit with said motor, means for placing' said switches under strain tending to cause them to close, means Vfor automatically regulating' the closing' of said switches so as to eut out said resistance gradually, a notchingup device for moving' said regulating' means forward in a step-by-step manner, and means operated by the last of said switches for automatically arresting the movement of said notching-u p device when all of said resistance is cut out of circuit.

30. In a motor-starting device, a motor, a resistance, a plurality of normally open switches IOO IIO

adapted to control the amount of resistance connected in circuit with said motor, means for placing' said switches under strain tending' to cause them to close, means for automatically regulating the closing' of said switches so as to cut out said resistance gradually, means for operating' said regulating means, and means whereby the movement of said operating meansmay be arrested at any desired point.

31. In a system of control, a plurality of translating' devices, a series-paralleling device comprising' a plurality of separately-actuated switches, means tending to close all of said switches, and means for obstructing the closi ng oi' certain ot' said switches.

32. In a system of control, a plurality of translating devices, a series-paralleling device comprising' a plurality of separately-actuated switches, means tending to close all of said switches, means Jfor obstructing the closing of certain of said switches, and means for removing said obstructing means.

33. In a system ot' control, a plurality of translating devices, aseries-paralleling device comprising a plurality of separately-actuated switches, means tending' to close all of said switches, means for obstructing' the closing of certain of said switches, and electromagnetically-actuated means for removing said obstructing means to allow theswitches to close.

34. In a system of control, a plurality oi' translating devices, aseries-paralleling device comprising a plurality of separately-actu ated switches, means tending to close all of said switches, means for obstructing the closing of certain of said switches, means for removing said obstructing means to allow the switches to close, and means located at a distant point for controlling' said obstruction-removing means.

35. In a system of control, a plurality of translating' devices, a series-paralleling device comprising a plurality of separately-actuated switches, means for placing said switches under strain tending to close the same, and means for obstructing' the closing of certain of said switches.

36. In a system of control, a plurality of translating devices, a series-paralleling device comprising a plurality of separately-actuated switches, electromagnetically-actuated means 38. In a system of control, a plurality of translating devices, a series-paralleling device comprising' a plurality of switches, means tending` to close all of said switches, devices for obstructing' the closing' ot' certain olf said switches, a shat't on which said devices are mounted, and an actuating-coil for rotating said shaft to remove said obstructing devices.

39. In a system of control, a plurality of translating devices, a series-paralleling device comprising a plurality of switches, means tending to close said switches, means for obstructing' the closing of certain of said switches, a relay, and means for yieldingly connectingl said obstructing' means to said relay so that when the actuating-coil of said relay is energ'ized the contacts of the relay are operated and the obstructing' means are removed to allow the switches to close.

40. In a system of control, a plurality of translating devices, a series-paralleling' device comprising a plurality of switches, means tending to close said switches, devices `for obstructing' the closing` oi certain of said switches, a shaft on which said devices are mounted, a relay, and means for yielding'ly connecting said shaft to said relay whereby when the actuating-coil of said relay is energized the contacts of the relay are operated and said shaft is rotated to allow the switches to close.

4l. In combination, a plurality of motors, a resistance, resistance-controlling' switches, switches for connecting said motors in series and parallel relationship, means tending' to close all of said switches, and means for automatically regulating the closing' ol said switches in succession to produce an automatic acceleration of said motors, the said motors being' iirst connected in series and then vin parallel.

42. In combination, a plurality of motors, a resistance, resistance-controlling switches, switches for connecting said motors in series and parallel relationship, means for placing said switches under strain tending' to close them, and means for automatically regulating' the closing oi' said switches in succession to produce an automatic acceleration of said motors, the motors being' lirst connected in series and then in parallel.

43. In combination, a plurality of motors, a resistance, resistance-controlling switches, switches for connecting said motors in series and parallel relationship, means tending to close all of said switches, means for automatically regulating' the closing of said switches in succession to produce an automatic acceleration oi' said motors through series and parallel, and means for preventing the operation of the parallel-control]ing' switches until the last series resistance-controlling switch has operated.

44. In combination, a plurality of motors, a resistance, resistance-controlling switches,

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switches for connecting said motors in series and parallel relationship, means tending to close all of said switches, means for automatically regulating the closing of said switches in succession to produce an automatic acceleration of said motors, the said motors being first connected in series and then in parallel, means for operating said regulating' means, and means whereby the forward movement of said operating means may be arrested at any desired point. y

45. In combination, a plurality or' motors, a resistance, resistance-controlling switches, switches 'for connecting said motors in series and parallel relationship, means for placing' said switches under strain tending to close them, means for'automatically regulating the successive closing of said switches to produce an automatic acceleration of said motors through series and parallel, and electromagnets for operating said strain-producing means and said regulating means.

46. In combination, a plurality of motors, a resistance, resistance-controlling switches, switches for connecting said motors in series and parallel relationship, means for placing said switches under strain tending to close them, means for automatically regulating the successive closing' of said switches to produce an automatic acceleration of said motors through series and parallel, electromagnets for operating said strain-producing means and said regulating means, and means for breaking the circuit through the magnet which operates said strain-producing means so as to allow the switches to open while the regulating means for the series andl parallel switches is being' operated.

47. In combination, a plurality of motors, a resistance, resistance-controlling switches, switches for connecting said motors in series and parallel relationship, means for placing v said switches under strain tending to close them, means for automatically regulating the successive closing of said switches to produce an automatic acceleration or' the motors, means for operating said regulating' means, and means for preventing the regulating means for the series and parallel switches from being operated to allow the motors to be connected in parallel until the series switch has iirst been closed.

48. In combination, a plurality of motors, a resistance, resistance-controlling' switches, switches for connecting said motors in series and parallel relationship, means for placing said switches under strain tending to close them, means for automatically regulating' the successive closing of said switches to produce an automatic acceleration of the motors, means for operating said regulating means, and an auxiliary switch operatively connected with the series switch for preventing the regulating means for the series and parallel switches from being operated to allow the motors to be connected in parallel until the series switch has first been closed.

49. In combination, a plurality of motors,

a resistance, resistance-controlling switches, y

switches for connecting' said motors in series and parallel relationship, means for placing said switches under strain tending to close them, means for automatically regulating' the closing of said switches in succession to produce an automatic acceleration ot' said motors through series and parallel, an electromagnet for operating said strain-producing means, and a relay for breaking the circuit through the magnet which operates the strain-producing means and `for operating' the regulating means for the series and parallel switches.

50. In combination, a plurality of motors, a resistance, resistance-controlling switches, switches for connecting' said motors in series and parallel relationship, means for placing said switches under strain tending to close them, means for automatically regulating the successive closing of said switches to produce an automatic acceleration of said motors through series and parallel, an electromagnet for operating said strain-producing means, a

relay for breaking the circuit through the magnet which operates the strain-producing means and for operating the regulating means for the series and parallel switches, and a master-controller for said electromagnetand said relay.

5l. In combination, a plurality of motors, a resistance, resistance-controlling switches, switches for connecting said motors in series and parallel relationship, means for placing said switches under strain tending to close them, means for automatically regulating the successive closing of said switches to produce an automatic acceleration of said motors throug'h series and parallel, an electromagnet for operating' said strain-producing' means, a relay 'for breaking' the circuit through the magnet which operates the strain-producing means and for operating the regulating means for the series and parallel switches, and an auxiliary switch operatively connected to one of said normally open switches for controlling the operation of said relay.

52. In combination, a plurality of motors, a resistance, separately-actuated resistance-controlling' switches, series and parallel switches, means for placing' said switches under strain tending to close them, means for regulating the closing' of said switches so as to connect the motors in series with resistance in circuit, then to cut out said resistance gradually, then to connect the motors in parallel with resistance in circuit, and then to cut out said resistance gradually, thereby producing an automatic acceleration of said motors through series and parallel, and means for operating said regulating means.

53. In combination, a plurality of motors, a resistance, separately-actuated resistance-con- IOO IIO

trolling switches, series and parallel switches, means for placing said switches under strain tending' to close them, means for regulating the 4, closing of said switches so as to connect the motors in series with i'esistance in circuit, then to eut out said resistance gradually, then to connect the motors in parallel with resistance in circuit, and then to cut out said resistance gradually, thereby producing an automatic acceleration of said motors through series and parallel, means for operating said regulating means, and means whereby the movement of said operating means may be arrested at any desired point.

54. In combination, a plurality of normally open switches, a rotatable shaft, means for yieldingly connecting' said switches to said shaft so that when said shaft is rotated the switches will be placed under strain tending' to close the same, and means for automatic ally regulating the successive closing of said switches.

55. In combination, a plurality of normally open switches, a rotatable shaft, means for yieldingly connecting said switches to said shaft so that when said shaft is rotated the switches will be placed under strain tending' to close the same, an electromagnet for rotating' said shaft, and means for automatically regulating the successive closing of sai-d switches.

56. In combination, a plurality of normally open switches, a rotatable shaft, means for yieldingly connecting said switches to said shaft so that when said shaft is rotated the switches will be placed under strain tending' to close them, means for rotating said shaft, means for controlling the operation of said shaft-rotating means, and means for automatically regulating the successive closing of said switches.

57. In combination, a plurality of normally open switches, a rotatable shaft, means for yieldingly connecting said switches to said shaft so that when the shaft is rotated the switches are placed under strain tending' to close them, a plurality of obstructing devices operatively related to said switches, and means for operating said obstructing devices with a slow forward movement to release said switches in succession.`

58. In combination, a plurality of normally open switches, a rotatable shaft, means for yieldingly connecting said switches to said shaft so that when the shaft is rotated the switches are placed under strain tending to close them, a plurality of obstructing devices operatively related to said switches, and means for operating said obstructing devices with a step-by-step forward movement to release said switches in succession.

59. In combination, aplurality of normally open switches, a rotatable shaft, means for yieldingly connecting said switches to said shaft so that when the shaft is rotated the switches are placed under strain temling to' close them, a plurality of obstructing devices operatively related to said switches, means for ol'icrating said obstructing devices to release said switches in succession, and means for i'eturning said obstructing devices to their initial position when the switches are opened.

GO. In combination, a plurality of normally open switches, a rotatable shaft, means for yieldingly connecting' said switches to said shaft so that when the shaft is rotated the switches are placed, under strain tending to close them, a plurality of obstructing devices operatively related to said switches, an electi'omag'netically-actuated notching-up device for operating said obstructing devices with a step-by-step forward movement, and means whereby the actuating-coil of said notchingup device is successively energized and doenergized.

61. ln combination, a plurality of normally open switches, a rotatable shaft, means 'for yieldingly connecting said switches to said shaft so that when the shaft is rotated the switches are placed under strain tending' to close them, a plurality of obstructingdevices operatively related to said switches, means 'for operating said obstructing devices tol release said switches in succession, and means for maintaining said obstructing devices in their operated position independent of said operating means.

62. In combination, a plurality of normally open switches, a rotatable shaft, means for yieldingly connecting said switches to said shaft so that when the shaft is rotated the switches are placed under strain tending to close them, a plurality of obstructing devices operatively related to said switches, means for operating said obstructing devices to release said switches in succession, and means for interrupting the movement of said operating means when the last switch is operated.

63. In combination, a plurality of normally open switches, a rotatable shaft, means for yieldingly connecting said switches to said shaft so that when the shaft is rotated the switches are placed under strain tending' to close them, a plurality of obstructing devices operatively related to said switches, an electromagnetically-actuated notching-up device for operating said obstructing` devices with a step-by-step forward movement, and a manually-operated master-switch adapted to open the circuit through the actuating-coil of said notching-up device.

64. In combination, a pluralityof normally open switches, a rotatable shaft, means for yieldingly connecting said switches to said shaft so that when the shaft is rotated the switches are placed under strain tending to close them, a plurality of obstructing devices operatively related to said switches, an electromagnctically-actuated notching-up device for operating said obstructing devices with a IOO IIO

step-by-step forward movement, and an auxiliary switch operativelyV connected to one of said normally open switches and adapted to open the circuit through the actuating-coil of said notching-up device when said normally open switch operates, thereby arresting the movement of said notching-up device.

65. ln combination, a plurality of separately-actuated contact-fingers, a plurality of relatively fixed contacts in the path of said lingers, means for placing said lingers under strain tending to cause them to engage said relatively fixed contacts, means for obstructing' the forward movement of said fingers, and means for removing said obstructing' means whereby the contact-lingers are allowed to move in any predetermined order.

66. In combination, a plurality of relatively fixed contacts, a plurality of separately-actuated obstructed contact-fingers, means for placing said lingers under strain tending to move them into engagement with said fixed contacts, and means for serially removing' the obstructions from said lingers in such a manner as to permit the contact-fingers successivel y to engage the fixed contacts with a snap action.

67. In a control system, a controlled circuit, a plurality of relatively fixed contacts and movable contact-lingers forming part of the controlled circuit, a rotatable shaft, springs for connecting said fingers to said shaft, means for rotating said shaft so as to place said iing'ers under strain tending to close the contacts, a series of obstructing ldevices constructed and arranged to permit said lingers to be moved into engagement with said fixed contacts in any predetermined order and at any desired rate, and means for operating' said obstructing devices.

68. In a system of train control, a plurality of motors, a plurality of motor-controllers, each comprising a plurality of normally open switches, means for placing said switches under strain tending' to close them, means for regulating the successive closing of said switches, and operating means for the strainproducing means and said regulating means, in combination with a master-controller for said operating means.

69. Inasystem of train control, a plurality of motors, a plurality of series-paralleling devices, each comprising a plurality of separately-actuated switches, means tending' to close said switches, means for obstructing the closing of certain of said switches, and means for removing said obstructing means, in combination with-means for controlling the obstruction-removing means.

TQ. ln a system of train control, a plurality.

of motors, aplurality of series-paralleling' devices, cach comprising' a plurality of separately-actuated switches, means for placing said switches under strain tending to close them, means for obstructing the closing of said switches, and means for removing said obstructions, in combination with means for controlling the strain-producing means and the obstruction-removing means.

71. ln a system of train control, a plurality of motors, resistances, a plurality of motorcontrollers, comprising resistance-controlling switches, switches for connecting the motors in series and parallel relationship, means tending to close all of said switches, and means for automatically regulating' the closing of said switches in succession to produce an automatic acceleration of said motors, in combination with a master-controller for said motor-controllers.

72. In asystem of train control, a plurality of motors, resistances, a plurality of motorcontrollers, each comprising separately-actuated resistance-controlling switches, series and parallel switches, means for placing said switches under strain tending' to close them, means for operating' said strainproducing means, means for regulating the closing' of said switches so as to connect the motors in series with the resistance in circuit, then to cut out said resistance g'radually, then to connect the motors in parallel with the resistance in circuit, and then to cut out said resistance gradually, and means for operating said regulating means, in combination with a mastercontroller for said motor-controllers.

73. A plurality of eircuit-closers, a controlling-solenoid therefor, a device for locking said circuit-closers in open position, and means for successively releasing' said cirenit-closers from said locking' device.

74. A plurality of circuit-closers, a controlling-solenoid therefor, a device for locking said circuit-closers in open position, and means for moving' said device to release said circuitclosers successively.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 31st day of October, 1903.

EUGENE R. CAR'IGHOFF.

NTitnesses:

ANDREW M. Cornu, AUG. AUDRIN.

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